Letter: On climate change, what are we waiting for?

In response to the letter, ‘Where's The Climate Change?' (July 24), it is indeed correct that record temperature highs are nothing new, having occurred throughout time, including in 1887.

However, science repeatedly tells us that human activity is warming our planet at an unparalleled rate.

Just today, two studies were published that once again dispel the idea that current rising temperatures are just a natural shift in climate. While the climate is always changing, it is presently changing at a much-accelerated rate.

A study published in the journal Nature found that the warmest periods of the past two millennia occurred during the 20th century for more than 98 percent of the globe. In contrast, other historic periods of warming happened in different locations at different times. What we are experiencing now is planet-wide and unprecedented over the past 2,000 years.

The second study, published in Nature Geoscience, also concludes that modern temperature rises have increased well beyond what was seen before the industrial era.

Whether you believe the science or not, I have to ask what have we got to lose by cutting carbon emissions? Side effects include less pollution, better air quality and health, and jobs created by innovation. What are we waiting for?